Cross off to a great start

On a near perfect day for cross country, more than 100 Cardiff athletes took part in the first round of the popular Gwent League, held on a re-designed course in Cardiff's Llandaff Fields.

Combined with the first round of the British Cross Challenge, the competition was more testing than usual but Cardiff produced a succession of high placers, including Jake Heyward's win in the under 20 men's race and Charlotte Arter's excellent third spot in the senior ladies' race,behind winner Jess Judd.

Despite not feeling in tip top condition, Jake Heyward (making a rare appearance in cross country) ran a well judged race, keeping in touch with the leaders throughout and winning the sprint to the line from around 500m out.

A week ago Charlotte ran the overall second fastest leg in the 4 stage road relay and maintained her form today, finishing within 20 metres of the winner.

The day had started with the under 11 girls'race and Alie Davies again ran very well for a top ten placing, with Millie Gold Cardiff's second athlete home. The under 11 boys' race saw the youngest Reynolds brother, Oliver, running his first Gwent League in a Cardiff vest, finish in sixth.

In the under 17 men's race, Louis Spencer was the first Cardiff athlete to finish, ahead of Morgan James but with both in the top fifteen. Abi Fisher was fourth in the under 17 girls' race and the first of numerous Cardiff vests.

The final race of the day was the senior men's race and Ieuan Thomas finished fifth of a huge field. Next home for Cardiff were Dan Nash and James Hunt.